A LITTER picker is up for an award highlighting her efforts in keeping the area where she lives tidy.

Catherine Armstrong,55, from Suckley has been shortlisted for the Litter Heros Award from the national environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

She has set up a litter picking group called the Suckley Wombles and so far, 40 people have joined.

Mrs Armstrong said: “When I moved to the area I continued with my love of jogging and I noticed lots of litter discarded in ditches so I thought I need to do something about it.

"It is an honour to have been nominated for the Litter Hero award and it’s a great opportunity to spread the word about Wombling.

“I hope it might inspire others to run their own Wombles in their local parishes - they call me Auntie Bulgaria in the village as Uncle Bulgaria was a famous Womble!”

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Catherine was a previous winner of the Cleaner and Greener Award at the Pride of Malvern Hills Community Awards, when she created the Suckley Wombles in 2017.

This nomination comes from Malvern Hills District Council who recognise Catherine’s passion and hard work.

Cllr John Raine, portfolio holder for Environmental Services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Catherine has been making a hugely valuable impact on the environment of her local and surrounding areas.

“New people join every time she holds a litter pick and she manages to bring together people from all walks of life.

"Clearly, in this rural village, community spirit is alive and well, in large part thanks to Catherine.

“Her litter picks are providing a great way for new residents to play a part in village life.”

The Keep Britain Tidy Awards will be presented at the charity’s annual Network Conference at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole on Thursday, February 6.

To become a litter Womble in Suckley email: cathyc2@hotmail.co.uk.